U.S. patent application number 15/155292 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-01 for medical image processing apparatus, magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and medical image processing method.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Shuhei Nitta, Kensuke Shinoda, Takamasa SUGIURA, Tomoyuki Takeguchi.
Application Number | 20160349975 15/155292 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57398729 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160349975 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SUGIURA; Takamasa ; et
al. |
December 1, 2016 |
MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD
Abstract
A medical image processing apparatus according to a present
embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry
is configured to accept an operation for a region of interest (ROI)
GUI and a guide GUI on a screen on which a medical image is
displayed, the ROI GUI being for setting a ROI on the medical
image, the guide GUI being for guiding a setting of the ROI on the
medical image. The processing circuitry is configured to decide
whether to move the ROI GUI and the guide GUI in a manner
interlocked with each other or not according to a preset condition,
when a turning operation or a sliding operation for any one of the
ROI GUI and the guide GUI is accepted.
Inventors: |
SUGIURA; Takamasa;
(Kawasaki, JP) ; Shinoda; Kensuke; (Sakura,
JP) ; Nitta; Shuhei; (Ohta, JP) ; Takeguchi;
Tomoyuki; (Kawasaki, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION |
Otawara-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS
CORPORATION
Otawara-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
57398729 |
Appl. No.: |
15/155292 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 9/6253 20130101;
G06T 2210/41 20130101; G06F 3/04845 20130101; G06K 9/3275 20130101;
G06T 19/00 20130101; G06K 2209/05 20130101; G06F 3/04847 20130101;
G06T 2200/24 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/0484 20060101
G06F003/0484; G06K 9/20 20060101 G06K009/20; G06T 11/00 20060101
G06T011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 29, 2015 |
JP |
2015-110511 |
May 29, 2015 |
JP |
2015-110512 |
Claims
1. A medical image processing apparatus, comprising: processing
circuitry configured to accept an operation for a region of
interest (ROI) GUI and a guide GUI on a screen on which a medical
image is displayed, the ROI GUI being for setting a ROI on the
medical image, the guide GUI being for guiding a setting of the ROI
on the medical image, and decide whether to move the ROI GUI and
the guide GUI in a manner interlocked with each other or not
according to a preset condition, when a turning operation or a
sliding operation for any one of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI is
accepted.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the sliding
operation for one of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI is accepted, the
processing circuitry is configured to slide only the GUI for which
the sliding operation is accepted, according to the condition.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the turning
operation for one of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI is accepted, the
processing circuitry is configured to turn the ROI GUI and the
guide GUI in a manner interlocked with each other according to the
condition.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing
circuitry is configured to generate an image including a ROI
indicated by the ROI GUI, based on the medical image.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the turning
operation for the ROI GUI is accepted, the processing is configured
to control the guide GUI not to be turned, according to the
condition.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing
circuitry is configured to adopt, as the condition, a combination
of an operation target, an operation type and a moving target, the
operation target including the ROI GUI and the guide GUI, the
operation type including the turning operation and the sliding
operation, and the moving target including the ROI GUI and the
guide GUI, and perform control according to control content
corresponding to the adopted condition.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing
circuitry is configured to adopt, as the condition, at least one of
pieces of attribute information that are imaging purpose
information, operator identification information, and object
identification information, and perform control according to
control content corresponding to the adopted condition.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the adopted
condition is a desired piece of the attribute information, and when
the turning operation for the guide GUI is accepted, the processing
circuitry is configured to turn the ROI GUI according to the
control content corresponding to the desired piece of the attribute
information.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the processing
circuitry is configured to refer to a memory that stores an
attribute information table associating control content with the
attribute information so as to obtain the desired piece of the
control content corresponding to the desired piece of the attribute
information, and turn, when the turning operation for the guide GUI
is accepted, the ROI GUI according to the desired control
content.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the processing
circuitry is configured to change the desired control content
according to an instruction through an input device operable by the
operator.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing
circuitry is configured to determine a position and an angle of the
guide GUI to be initially displayed, and a position and an angle of
the ROI GUI to be initially displayed, based on a reference point
detected from the medical image.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the processing
circuitry is configured to determine the position and the angle of
the guide GUI to be initially displayed, and the position and the
angle of the ROI GUI to be initially displayed, based on the
reference point and on at least one of pieces of attribute
information that are identification information on an imaging
purpose, operator identification information, and object
identification information.
13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing
circuitry is configured to display the condition, and control
content corresponding to the condition, on the screen.
14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing
circuitry is configured to display, on the screen, a relative angle
of the guide GUI after the turning operation with respect to an
angle of the guide GUI to be initially displayed.
15. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, comprising: a static
magnetic field generator configured to generate a static magnetic
field; a gradient magnetic field generator configured to generate a
gradient magnetic field; a transmitter coil configured to apply a
high-frequency pulse to an object; and processing circuitry
configured to generate a medical image, based on a signal
corresponding to the high-frequency pulse, accept an operation for
a ROI GUI and a guide GUI on a screen on which the medical image is
displayed, the ROI GUI being for setting a ROI on the medical
image, the guide GUI being for guiding a setting of the ROI on the
medical image, and decide whether to move the ROI GUI and the guide
GUI in a manner interlocked with each other or not, according to a
preset condition, when a turning operation or a sliding operation
for any one of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI is accepted.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein when the sliding
operation for one of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI is accepted, the
processing circuitry is configured to slide only the GUI for which
the sliding operation is accepted, according to the condition.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein when the turning
operation for one of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI is accepted, the
processing circuitry is configured to turn the ROI GUI and the
guide GUI in a manner interlocked with each other according to the
condition.
18. A medical image processing method, comprising: obtaining a
medical image from a memory circuitry; displaying the medical image
on a screen of a display; accepting an operation for an ROI GUI and
a guide GUI on a screen on which a medical image is displayed, the
ROI GUI being for setting a ROI on the medical image, the guide GUI
being for guiding a setting of the ROI on the medical image, and
deciding whether to move the ROI GUI and the guide GUI in a manner
interlocked with each other or not according to a preset condition,
when a turning operation or a sliding operation for any one of the
ROI GUI and the guide GUI is accepted.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-110511, filed on
May 29, 2015, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-110512,
filed on May 29, 2015, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] An embodiment relates to a medical image processing
apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus and a
medical image processing method.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The MRI apparatus magnetically excites nuclear spins of an
object disposed in a static magnet field with a high-frequency (RF:
radio frequency) pulse at a Larmor frequency, and reconstructs an
image from a magnetic resonance (MR) signal caused by the
excitement.
[0004] In the case of generating an image for diagnosis using the
MRI apparatus, a region of interest (ROI) is required to be set
before diagnostic imaging. The ROI is an imaging field, such as an
imaging slice or an imaging slab. In order to set the ROI, the MRI
apparatus preliminarily performs a locator imaging for positioning,
and generates a positioning image. The apparatus then sets the ROI
on the positioning image.
[0005] For example, the MRI apparatus generates a sagittal section
image as the positioning image through cerebral imaging. The MRI
apparatus sets a rectangular ROI that has a center position
covering the cerebrum and cerebellum on the positioning image and
that is arranged parallel to a line connecting nasal spine to a
lower end of pons on the positioning image. In the case of setting
the ROI in this manner, the ROI and its center line are not always
at the nasal spine or the lower end of the pons. Consequently, the
position and angle of the ROI with respect to the positioning image
is not necessarily appropriate.
[0006] To address this problem, there is a method of setting a
guide on the positioning image, calculating the ROI having a
geometrical relationship with the guide, and displaying the
calculated ROI on the positioning image.
[0007] According to the conventional technique, the calculated ROI
has to be moved in a manner interlocked with an operation of moving
the guide on the positioning image. Consequently, the ROI setting
efficiency has been low.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In accompanying drawings,
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a
medical image processing apparatus according to a first
embodiment;
[0010] FIGS. 2A to 2E are diagrams each showing an example of
movement information;
[0011] FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams each showing an example of
attribute information table that defines attribute information;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for specifically describing functions
of the medical image processing apparatus according to the first
embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an initial display screen that
includes a positioning image including a brain, an ROT GUI, and a
guide GUI;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a flowchart specifically showing functions in step
ST10 shown in FIG. 4;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display screen for
illustrating the ROI GUI that turns in the manner interlocked with
a turning operation for the guide GUI;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display screen for
illustrating the ROI GUI that is not interlocked with a sliding
operation for the guide GUI;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display screen for
illustrating the guide GUI that turns in the manner interlocked
with a turning operation for the ROI GUI;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen for
illustrating the guide GUI that is not interlocked with a sliding
operation for the ROI GUI;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an initial display screen that
includes the positioning image including a knee, the ROI GUI, and
the guide GUI;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an initial display screen that
includes the positioning image including an aortic valve/pulmonary
valve, the ROI GUI, and the guide GUI;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an
MRI apparatus according to a second embodiment; and
[0022] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for specifically describing functions
of an MRI apparatus according to a second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] A medical image processing apparatus, an MRI apparatus and a
medical image processing method according to a present embodiment
is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024] The medical image processing apparatus according to the
present embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing
circuitry is configured to accept an operation for a region of
interest (ROI) GUI and a guide GUI on a screen on which a medical
image is displayed, the ROI GUI being for setting a ROI on the
medical image, the guide GUI being for guiding a setting of the ROI
on the medical image. The processing circuitry is configured to
decide whether to move the ROI GUI and the guide GUI in a manner
interlocked with each other or not according to a preset condition,
when a turning operation or a sliding operation for any one of the
ROI GUI and the guide GUI is accepted.
1. First Embodiment
[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a
medical image processing apparatus according to a first
embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 1 shows the medical image processing apparatus 10
according to the first embodiment. The medical image processing
apparatus 10 sets a ROI on a positioning image generated from
medical image data. For example, the medical image processing
apparatus 10 sets the ROI on the positioning image generated from
volume data that includes three-dimensionally arranged voxel data,
using a method described below. The medical image processing
apparatus 10 then generates a three-dimensional image of the set
ROI from the volume data. The three-dimensional image may be an MPR
(multi planar reconstruction) image, a volume rendering image, a
surface rendering image or the like. The medical image data which
is an original of the positioning image is not necessarily limited
to the volume data. For example, the medical image data which is
the original of the positioning image is two-dimensional image
data, each of pieces of frame data on two-dimensional time-series
images, or each of pieces of frame data on three- or
four-dimensional time-series images.
[0027] The volume data which is an original for setting the ROI is
generated by a medical image diagnostic apparatus, such as an MRI
apparatus, an X-ray CT (computed tomography) apparatus, an X-ray
diagnostic apparatus, or an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Any
type of medical image diagnostic apparatuses may be used to
generate the volume data. The medical image diagnostic apparatus is
also called modality.
[0028] The medical image processing apparatus 10 is, for example, a
dedicated or general-purpose computer. The medical image processing
apparatus 10 is any apparatus including functions 111 to 114, which
are described later. For example, the functions of the medical
image processing apparatus 10 may be those included in any of a
medical image diagnostic apparatus, such as an MRI apparatus,
connected via a network, a PC (workstation) that applies image
processing to a medical image, and a medical image management
apparatus (server) that stores and manages medical images.
[0029] The case where the medical image processing apparatus 10 is
a dedicated or general-purpose computer is hereinafter
described.
[0030] The medical image processing apparatus 10 includes
processing circuitry 11, input circuitry (input portion) 12, a
display (display portion) 13, an IF (communication portion) 14, and
memory circuitry (memory) 15.
[0031] The processing circuitry 11 means any one of dedicated or
general central processing unit (CPU) and a micro processor unit
(MPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a
programmable logic device. The programmable logic device may be,
for example, any one of a simple programmable logic device (SPLD),
a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field programmable
gate array (FPGA) and the like. The processing circuitry 11 reads
programs stored in the memory circuitry 15 or directly implemented
in the processing circuitry 11, executes these programs, and
accomplishes the following functions 111-114.
[0032] The processing circuitry 11 may be a single processing
circuit or a combination of multiple processing circuits. In the
latter case, the memory circuitry 15 includes multiple memory
circuits each storing an element of a program, each of the multiple
memory circuits is provided for each of the multiple circuits.
Alternatively, the memory circuitry 15 includes a single memory
circuit storing the program, the single memory circuit is provided
for the multiple circuits.
[0033] The processing circuitry 11 performs a display control
function (display controller) 111, an accepting function (acceptor)
112, a movement control function (movement controller) 113, and an
image generating function (image generator) 114. The processing
circuitry 11 reads various types of control programs stored in the
memory circuitry 15 and performs the functions 111 to 114, and
integrally controls processing operations in the components 12 to
15.
[0034] The display control function 111 includes a function that
obtains or reads the volume data stored in the memory circuitry 15,
generates the positioning image generated based on the volume data,
and displays the generated image on the display 13. The display
control function 111 includes a function that displays, on the
display 13, a ROI GUI (graphical user interface) for setting a ROI,
and a guide GUI that is a reference for setting the ROI GUI. Both
the ROI GUI and the guide GUI are graphical components displayed on
the screen, and are turnable and slidable on the screen according
to instructions through the input circuitry 12.
[0035] The accepting function 112 includes a function that accepts
moving operations for the ROI GUI and guide GUI through the input
circuitry 12. Each of the moving operations is an operation for
changing the initial position of the guide GUI or the ROI GUI on
the display screen.
[0036] The movement control function 113 is a function of
controlling switching of interlocking, thereby deciding whether to
move the GUIs. The switching of interlocking is whether to
interlock the ROI GUI or not in conformity with a moving operation
for the guide GUI. Alternatively, the switching of interlocking is
whether to interlock the guide GUI interlock or not in conformity
with a moving operation for the ROI GUI.
[0037] The image generating function 114 includes a function that
generates a three-dimensional image in an ROI after control of the
movement by the movement control function 113 on the basis of the
volume data obtained by the display control function 111.
[0038] The functions 111 to 114 included in the medical image
processing apparatus 10 are specifically described with reference
to a flowchart shown in FIG. 4.
[0039] The input circuitry 12 is a circuit that receives a signal
from an input device, such as a pointing device (mouse etc.) or a
keyboard, which can be operated by an operator. Here, the input
device itself is included in the input circuitry 12. When the input
device is operated by the operator, the input circuitry 12
generates an input signal according to the operation and outputs
the generated signal to the processing circuitry 11. The medical
image processing apparatus 10 may have a touch panel that includes
an input device configured integrally with the display 13.
[0040] The display 13 may be an LCD (liquid crystal display) or the
like. The display 13 displays various pieces of display
information, such as various operation screens and image data, on
the LCD according to an instruction from the processing circuitry
11.
[0041] The IF (interface) 14 performs a communication operation
with an external apparatus in conformity with predetermined
communication standards. In the case where the medical image
processing apparatus 10 is provided on a network, the IF 14
transmits and receives information to and from the external
apparatus on the network. For example, the IF 14 receives the
volume data obtained through imaging by a medical image diagnostic
apparatus (not shown), such as an MRI apparatus, from a medical
image diagnostic apparatus or a medical image management apparatus
(now shown), and transmits a three-dimensional image generated by
the medical image processing apparatus 10 to the medical image
management apparatus or a reading terminal (now shown), thus
performing the communication operation with the external
apparatus.
[0042] The memory circuitry 15 may include semiconductor memory
elements, such as a RAM (random access memory) and a flash memory,
a hard disk, and an optical disk. The memory circuitry 15 may be a
portable media, such as a USB (universal serial bus) memory and a
DVD (digital video disk). The memory circuitry 15 stores various
processing programs (application programs, OS (operating system),
etc.) used by the processing circuitry 11, data required to execute
the programs, the volume data, and medical images. The OS
extensively uses graphics for displaying information for the
operator on the display 13, and includes GUIs that allow the input
circuitry 12 to receive basic operations.
[0043] The memory circuitry 15 also stores pieces of movement
information (shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E). Each pieces of movement
information includes a condition and a control content indicating
whether or not to move a moving target according to a moving
operation. The condition is a combination of the moving operation
(a moving operation target and a moving operation type) on the
display screen and the moving target. The memory circuitry 15
stores an attribute information table (shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C).
The attribute information table includes a condition and a control
content indicating whether to move the moving target according to
the moving operation or not. The condition is attribute information
including at least one piece of imaging purpose information (e.g.,
imaging region information), operator identification information
(e.g., an operator ID), and patient identification information
(e.g., a patient ID). Here, the imaging purpose information
includes the imaging region information indicating an anatomical
region of an imaging target. The imaging region information is, for
example, on a brain, a knee, a heart, an aortic valve, a pulmonary
valve and the like. The imaging purpose information may include
information indicating a type of an image, such as a diffusion
weighted image (DWI), or indicating a type of an imaging method,
such as a time of flight method (TOF).
[0044] The medical image processing apparatus 10 controls the
movement of the guide GUI and the ROI GUI on the basis of the
movement information and the attribute information. Hereinafter,
the movement information and the attribute information are
sequentially described.
[0045] FIGS. 2A to 2E are diagrams each showing an example of
movement information.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E, five pieces M1 to M5 of movement
information include the moving operation, the moving target, and
the control content ("Yes" or No in the diagrams). The moving
operation includes the moving operation target, and the moving
operation type. Here, moving operation type may be a turning
operation and a sliding (translation) operation. The turning
operation includes a clockwise turning operation, and an
anticlockwise turning operation. The moving operation target is the
guide GUI and the ROI GUI. Likewise, the moving target is the guide
GUI and the ROI GUI.
[0047] The pieces M1 to M5 of movement information have a condition
that is a combination of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI as the
moving operation targets, the turning operation and the sliding
operation as the moving operation types, and the ROI GUI and the
guide GUI as the moving targets. Each of the pieces M1 to M5 of
movement information defines the control content so as to be in
conformity with the condition.
[0048] FIG. 2A indicates the first piece M1 of movement
information. The first piece M1 of movement information turns the
ROI GUI in an interlocked manner according to the turning operation
for the guide GUI. The first piece M1 of movement information
independently controls sliding of the guide GUI and the ROI GUI
according to the sliding operation for the guide GUI and the ROI
GUI. In the case where the moving operation target is the guide
GUI, the first piece M1 of movement information indicates that the
guide GUI is turned, and that the ROI GUI is moved (turned) in the
interlocked manner, the GUIs according to the turning operation of
the moving operation for the guide GUI on the display screen. The
control content of moving is represented as "Yes" in FIG. 2A. That
is, the content indicates that when the turning operation for the
guide GUI is performed, the ROI GUI is turned in the manner
interlocked with the turning. The first piece M1 of movement
information indicates that the guide GUI is slid according to the
sliding operation of the moving operation for the guide GUI on the
display screen, but the ROI GUI is not moved (slid) in the
interlocked manner regardless of the present sliding operation. The
control content of not moving is represented as "No" in FIG. 2A.
That is, the content indicates that even when the slide operation
for the guide GUI is performed, the ROI GUI is not slid.
[0049] On the other hand, in the case where the moving operation
target is the ROI GUI, the first piece M1 of movement information
indicates that the ROI GUI is turned according to the turning
operation of the moving operation for the ROI GUI on the display
screen, but the guide GUI is not moved (turned) in the interlocked
manner regardless of the present turning operation. The first piece
M1 of movement information indicates that the ROI GUI is slid
according to the sliding operation of the moving operation for the
ROI GUI on the display screen, but the guide GUI is not moved
(slid) in the interlocked manner regardless of the present sliding
operation.
[0050] According to the first piece M1 of movement information, the
turning operation for the ROI GUI on the display screen does not
cause the guide GUI to be moved (turned) in the interlocked manner.
On the contrary, according to the first piece M1 of movement
information, the turning operation for the guide GUI on the display
screen causes the ROI GUI to be moved (turned) in the interlocked
manner. Consequently, according to the first piece M1 of movement
information, the turning operation for the ROI GUI on the display
screen creates a difference in angle between the ROI GUI and the
guide GUI, and the turning operation for the guide GUI on the
display screen turns the ROI GUI while maintaining the difference
in angle. Thus, the ROI GUI having a predetermined difference in
angle from the guide GUI is easily set.
[0051] FIG. 2B indicates the second piece M2 of movement
information. The movement information M2 indicates that the guide
GUI is turned, and that the ROI GUI is moved (turned) in the
interlocked manner, the GUIs according to the turning operation of
the moving operation for the guide GUI on the display screen. The
second piece M2 of movement information indicates that the guide
GUI is slid according to the sliding operation of the moving
operation for the guide GUI on the display screen, but the ROI GUI
is not moved (slid) in the interlocked manner regardless of the
present sliding operation.
[0052] The second piece M2 of movement information indicates that
the ROI GUI is turned, and that the guide GUI is moved (turned) in
the interlocked manner, the GUIs according to the turning operation
of the moving operation for the ROI GUI on the display screen. The
second piece M2 of movement information indicates that the ROI GUI
is slid according to the sliding operation of the moving operation
for the ROI GUI on the display screen, but the guide GUI is not
moved (slid) in the interlocked manner regardless of the present
sliding operation.
[0053] According to the pieces M1 and M2 of movement information,
the turning operation for the guide GUI on the display screen
causes the ROI GUI to be moved (turned) in the interlocked manner.
On the contrary, according to the pieces M1 and M2 of movement
information, the sliding operation for the ROI GUI on the display
screen does not cause the guide GUI to be moved (slid) in the
interlocked manner. Consequently, according to the pieces M1 and M2
of movement information, even when the turning operation for the
guide GUI arranged with reference to a reference point turns the
ROI GUI to set the angle of the ROI GUI and then the sliding
operation is applied to the ROI GUI, a position of the guide GUI is
unchanged, the position being after the turning operation. In this
manner, according to the pieces M1 and M2 of movement information,
it is possible for the operator to check whether the angle of the
turned ROI GUI is appropriate or not while viewing the display
screen.
[0054] FIG. 2C indicates the third piece M3 of movement
information. The third piece M3 of movement information indicates
that the guide GUI is turned, and that the ROI GUI is moved
(turned) in the interlocked manner, the GUIs according to the
turning operation of the moving operation for the guide GUI on the
display screen. The third piece M3 of movement information
indicates that the guide GUI is slid, and that the ROT GUI is moved
(slid) in the interlocked manner, the GUIs according to the sliding
operation of the moving operation for the guide GUI on the display
screen.
[0055] The third piece M3 of movement information indicates that
the ROI GUI is turned, and that the guide GUI is moved (turned) in
the interlocked manner, the GUIs according to the turning operation
of the moving operation for the ROI GUI on the display screen. The
third piece M3 of movement information indicates that the ROI GUI
is slid, and that the guide GUI is moved (slid) in the interlocked
manner, the GUIs according to the sliding operation of the moving
operation for the ROI GUI on the display screen.
[0056] FIG. 2D indicates the fourth piece M4 of movement
information. The fourth piece M4 of movement information indicates
that the guide GUI is turned, and that the ROI GUI is moved
(turned) in the interlocked manner, the GUIs according to the
turning operation of the moving operation for the guide GUI on the
display screen. The fourth piece M4 of movement information
indicates that the guide GUI is slid, and the ROI GUI is moved
(slid) in the interlocked manner, the GUIs according to the sliding
operation of the moving operation for the guide GUI on the display
screen.
[0057] The fourth piece M4 of movement information indicates that
both of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI are not moved (turned) in the
interlocked manner regardless of the present turning operation for
the ROI GUI. The fourth piece M4 of movement information indicates
that both of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI are not moved (slid) in
the interlocked manner regardless of the present sliding operation
for the ROI GUI.
[0058] FIG. 2E indicates the fifth piece M5 of movement
information. The fifth piece M5 of movement information indicates
that the guide GUI is turned according to the turning operation of
the moving operation for the guide GUI on the display screen, but
the ROI GUI is not moved (turned) in the interlocked manner
regardless of the present turning operation. The fifth piece M5 of
movement information indicates that the guide GUI is slid according
to the sliding operation of the moving operation for the guide GUI
on the display screen, but the ROI GUI is not moved (slid) in the
interlocked manner regardless of the present sliding operation.
[0059] The fifth piece M5 of movement information indicates that
the ROI GUI is turned according to the turning operation of the
moving operation for the ROI GUI on the display screen, but the
guide GUI is not moved (turned) in the interlocked manner
regardless of the present turning operation. The fifth piece M5 of
movement information indicates that the ROI GUI is slid according
to the sliding operation of the moving operation for the ROI GUI on
the display screen, but the guide GUI is not moved (slid) in the
interlocked manner regardless of the present sliding operation.
[0060] Next, the attribute information is described. FIGS. 3A to 3C
are diagrams each showing an example of attribute information table
that defines the attribute information.
[0061] FIG. 3A shows an attribute information table T1 that
associates types of the pieces of movement information with imaging
region information, which is attribute information. The attribute
information table T1 includes the imaging region information, which
is for example four imaging regions, i.e., "Brain", "Knee", "Aortic
Valve/Pulmonary Valve", and "Heart".
[0062] The attribute information tables T1 to T3 have, as a
condition, at least one of pieces of the attribute information,
which are the imaging purpose information, the operator
identification information, and the patient identification
information. The attribute information tables T1 to T3 define the
control content so as to be in conformity with the condition. Here,
the pieces M1 to M5 of movement information are assigned in
conformity with the condition, thereby defining the control
content.
[0063] For example, "Movement Information" in the attribute
information table T1 defines that in the case where the imaging
region information indicates "Brain", the first piece M1 of
movement information shown in FIG. 2A is assigned. Likewise, in the
case where the imaging region information is "Knee", the second
piece M2 of movement information shown in FIG. 2B is assigned. In
the case of "Aortic Valve/Pulmonary Valve", the third piece M3 of
movement information shown in FIG. 2C is assigned. In the case of
"Heart", the four piece M4 of movement information shown in FIG. 2D
is assigned.
[0064] FIG. 3B shows an attribute information table T2 that
associates the types of the pieces of movement information with the
operator identification information, which is the attribute
information. The attribute information table T2 includes, for
example, three operators ".largecircle.1" to ".largecircle.3" as
the operator identification information. For example, the operator
".largecircle.1" is assigned the first piece M1 of movement
information shown in FIG. 2A. The operator ".largecircle.2" is
assigned the second piece M2 of movement information shown in FIG.
2B. The operator ".largecircle.3" is assigned the first piece M1 of
movement information shown in FIG. 2A.
[0065] FIG. 3C shows an attribute information table T3 that
associates the types of the pieces of movement information with the
patient identification information, which is the attribute
information. The attribute information table T3 includes, for
example, three patients "P1" to "P3" as the patient identification
information. For example, the patient "P1" is assigned the first
piece M1 of movement information shown in FIG. 2A. The patient "P2"
is assigned the second piece M2 of movement information shown in
FIG. 2B. The patient "P3" is assigned the third piece M3 of
movement information shown in FIG. 2C.
[0066] The attribute information tables T1 to T3 may include
information on the relative position and offset angle of a ROI GUI
R on an initial display screen (shown in FIG. 5) associated with
the attribute information. The relative position of the ROI GUI R
is a relative position of a center position of the ROI GUI R with
reference to a position (center position or the like) of the guide
GUI G on the initial display screen.
[0067] The offset angle of the ROI GUI R is a relative angle of an
ROI GUI R with reference to an angle of the guide GUI G on the
initial display screen. In the case where the ROI GUI R is a slice
or a slab, a difference between an inclination angle of the slice
or slab and an inclination angle of the guide GUI G is the offset
angle.
[0068] As the attribute information, the attribute information
table T1 shown in FIG. 3A is referred to. Furthermore, in the case
where the imaging region information is "Brain", "Relative Position
of ROI GUI" is (x1, y1, z1) and "Offset Angle of ROI GUI" is
0.degree. in FIG. 3A. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the ROI GUI
R on the initial display screen has the center position RC at the
relative position (y0+y1, z0+z1) with reference to the center
position (y0, z0) of the guide GUI G, and has the inclination angle
of the ROI GUI R (the inclination angle of the slab R) as 0.degree.
with reference to the angle of the guide GUI G. That is, the ROI
GUI R and the guide GUI G are parallel to each other on the initial
display screen.
[0069] The attribute information may only include one of the pieces
of information, which are the imaging region information, the
operator identification information, and the patient identification
information. That is, the movement information may be associated
with a combination of the imaging region information, the operator
identification information and the patient identification
information.
[0070] Subsequently, functions of the medical image processing
apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment are specifically
described.
[0071] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for specifically describing the
functions of the medical image processing apparatus 10 according to
the first embodiment.
[0072] The identification information (ID: identification) of the
operator, the password and the like are input through the input
circuitry 12 by the operator, thereby allowing the display control
function 111 of the medical image processing apparatus 10 to
authenticate the operator (step ST1).
[0073] As described above, the memory circuitry 15 stores the
volume data generated by the medical image diagnostic apparatus,
such as the MRI apparatus, the X-ray CT apparatus, the X-ray
diagnostic apparatus, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
[0074] When desired volume data is designated through the input
circuitry 12, the display control function 111 obtains or reads the
designated volume data from the memory circuitry 15 (step ST2).
[0075] The display control function 111 sets the imaging region
information (imaging region to be imaged) in the volume data
obtained by the display control function 111 (step ST3). The
setting of the imaging region information in step ST3 may be
performed automatically on the basis of supplementary information
in the volume data, or performed on the basis of information input
through the input circuitry 12.
[0076] The display control function 111 detects the reference point
on the basis of the volume data obtained in step ST2 (step ST4). It
may be configured such that the reference point detected in step
ST4 is different according to the type of the imaging region
information set in step ST3. For example, in the case where the
imaging region information is the brain, characteristic imaging
regions, which are a nasal spine G1, a lower end of pons G2 (shown
in FIG. 5) and the like, are detected as the reference point.
[0077] It is possible to detect the reference point using, for
example, a template matching method. For example, shapes of
anatomical characteristic imaging regions of the head, such as the
nasal spine G1 and the lower end of pons G2 (shown in FIG. 5), are
preliminarily stored as templates, and matching between the
templates and the volume data allows the positions of the nasal
spine G1 and the lower end of pons G2 to be automatically detected.
However, the reference point is not necessarily detected by the
template matching method. For example, a classifier is
preliminarily configured through machine learning from a
neighboring image pattern around the characteristic imaging region
in the brain, and the characteristic imaging region in the volume
data may be detected using this classifier.
[0078] The display control function 111 sets the guide GUI
including the reference point detected in step ST4 while setting
the ROI GUI (step ST5). In step ST5, the display control function
111 automatically sets the ROI GUI on the basis of the relative
position and the offset angle with reference to the guide GUI,
which are defined in the attribute information tables T1 to T3 as
described above, and on the thickness and number of slices and the
thickness of the slab, having been set through the input circuitry
12.
[0079] The display control function 111 generates the positioning
image from the volume data obtained in step ST2 (step ST6). For
example, the display control function 111 generates, from the
volume data, the two-dimensional sectional view including the guide
GUI set in step ST5 (e.g., a sagittal image including the guide
GUI), and adopts this image as the positioning image. The display
control function 111 initially displays, on the display 13, the
positioning image generated in step ST6, and the guide GUI and the
ROI GUI set in step ST5 (step ST7).
[0080] Here, in the case where the ROI GUI is for example a region
including the brain, the guide GUI set in step ST5 is a line
including the nasal spine and the lower end of pons, a line segment
connecting the nasal spine and the lower end of pons or the like.
The ROI GUI set in step ST5 is one or more sections (slices) set in
a region including the brain or, for example, a rectangular
parallelepiped-shaped region (slab). The ROI GUI initially
displayed on the positioning image generated in step ST6 is set at
an initial position having a predetermined relative positional
relationship with respect to the position of the guide GUI.
[0081] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an initial display screen that
includes the positioning image including the brain, the ROI GUI,
and the guide GUI.
[0082] FIG. 5 thus shows the positioning image based on the volume
data including the brain, and is, for example, the sagittal image
(cross-section image) of a Y-Z section including the brain. The ROI
GUI R and the guide GUI G are displayed on the sagittal image. The
guide GUI G is a line (section) including the reference point
detected in step ST4. Here, in the case of the sagittal image
including the brain, it is preferred that the detected reference
points be the nasal spine G1 and the lower end of pons G2. However,
the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the
reference point may be an anterior commissure and a posterior
commissure.
[0083] The center position RC of the ROI GUI R may be set in the
characteristic imaging region detected based on the volume data,
set at the center of three or four reference points, or determined
on the basis of the position of the guide GUI G. In the case of
setting based on the position of the guide GUI G, the center
position RC is determined on the basis of a point on the guide GUI
G, e.g., a reference point G1, a reference point G2 or the midpoint
of the reference points G1 and G2, and of a preset relative
position. For example, in the case where the position (Y, Z) of the
midpoint of the reference points G1 and G2 is (y0, z0) and the
preset relative position (Y, Z) is (yn, zn), the center position RC
is determined as (y0+yn, z0+zn). The preset relative position (yn,
zn) may be determined on the basis of the attribute information as
shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C.
[0084] The angle of the ROI GUI R is determined on the basis of the
angle of the guide GUI G. For example, the ROI GUI R includes a
side having an offset angle .theta. preset from the guide GUI G. In
the example shown in FIG. 5, the ROI GUI R has a rectangular shape
including a side (offset angle .theta.=0) parallel to the guide GUI
G. The center lines R1 and R2 of the ROI GUI may be displayed
together with the ROI GUI R. The preset offset angle .theta. may be
determined on the basis of the attribute information as shown in
FIGS. 3A to 3C.
[0085] The positioning image initially displayed in step ST7 shown
in FIG. 4 may be the sagittal image shown in FIG. 5, an X-Y section
axial image, an X-Z section coronal image or an oblique section
image. The positioning image to be initially displayed may be
images selected from among the sagittal image, axial image, coronal
image, and oblique section image. The oblique section image is a
section image at any angle that is other than orthogonal three
sections. The oblique section image may generated from any image
obtained from the orthogonal three sections or the volume data, or
an image obtained by imaging at any angle. For example, the oblique
section image may be an image of a section passing through any
three points among the nasal spine, the lower end of pons, the
anterior commissure and the posterior commissure, or an image of a
section having the minimum distances from these four points.
[0086] Returning to the description on FIG. 4, the accepting
function 112 refers to the attribute information (e.g., any of the
attribute information tables T1 to T3 shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C)
stored in the memory circuitry 15. The accepting function 112
obtains the movement information indicating whether to move the
guide GUI and the ROI GUI or not (e.g., any of pieces M1 to M5 of
movement information shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E) (step ST8).
[0087] The accepting function 112 accepts the moving operation for
at least one of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI through the input
circuitry 12 (step ST9). The movement control function 113 controls
switching of whether to move the guide GUI and the ROI GUI or not
according to the moving operation of the moving operation target on
the basis of the movement information obtained in step ST8 (or
movement information after change in step ST10d shown in FIG. 6)
(step ST10).
[0088] Here, functions in step ST10 are specifically described.
[0089] FIG. 6 is a flowchart specifically showing the functions in
step ST10 shown in FIG. 4.
[0090] The movement control function 113 determines whether to move
the guide GUI and the ROI GUI on the display screen on the basis of
the movement information obtained in step ST8 shown in FIG. 4 (or
movement information after change in step ST10d). The movement
control function 113 moves the movable guide GUI and ROI GUI on the
display screen (step ST10a).
[0091] Here, movement of the guide GUI and the ROI GUI in the case
of the first piece M1 of movement information shown in FIG. 2A is
described using display screens shown in FIGS. 7 to 10.
[0092] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the display screen for
illustrating the ROI GUI that turns in the manner interlocked with
the turning operation for the guide GUI.
[0093] When the guide GUI G is subjected to the turning operation
on the initial display screen shown in FIG. 5, the guide GUI G is
turned centered on its center position and the ROI GUI R is turned
in the interlocked manner centered on its center position by an
amount of turning of the guide GUI G as shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7,
the guide GUI G and ROI GUI R before being turned are indicated by
broken lines, and the guide GUI G and ROI GUI R after being turned
are indicated by solid lines. For example, the turning operation
for the guide GUI G is achieved by designating a portion H1 that is
other than the center position of the guide GUI G before the turn,
then moving the portion H1 while keeping the portion H1 designated,
and canceling the designation at a desired angle. That is, the
turning operation for the guide GUI G is achieved by a
drag-and-drop operation.
[0094] The display screen shown in FIG. 7 may include information
representing the content of the first piece M1 of movement
information shown in FIG. 2A. The content of the first piece M1 of
movement information is represented as character information,
thereby allowing the operator to view whether the guide GUI G and
the ROI GUI R are moved or not according to the moving operation
for the guide GUI G on the display screen.
[0095] Furthermore, the display screen shown in FIG. 7 may include
the relative angle (30.degree.) of the guide GUI G with reference
to the initial angle of the guide GUI G after the turning
operation.
[0096] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the display screen for
illustrating the ROI GUI that is not interlocked with the sliding
operation for the guide GUI.
[0097] When the guide GUI G is subjected to the sliding operation
on the initial display screen shown in FIG. 5, the guide GUI G is
slid but the ROI GUI R is not slid, as shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8,
the guide GUI G before being slid is indicated by a broken line,
and the guide GUI G after being slid is indicated by a solid line.
For example, the sliding operation for the guide GUI G is achieved
by designating a portion H2 at the center position of the guide GUI
G before the sliding, then moving the portion H2 while keeping the
portion H2 designated, and canceling the designation at a desired
angle. That is, the sliding operation for the guide GUI G is
achieved by a drag-and-drop operation.
[0098] The display screen shown in FIG. 8 may include information
representing the content of the first piece M1 of movement
information shown in FIG. 2A. The content of the first piece M1 of
movement information is represented as character information,
thereby allowing the operator to view whether the guide GUI G and
the ROI GUI R are moved or not according to the moving operation
for the guide GUI G on the display screen.
[0099] In the display screens shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the content
of the first piece M1 of movement information may be represented by
information other than character information. For example, while
the portions H1 and H2 are designated before movement, a line
indicating the guide GUI G and lines indicating the ROI GUI R may
be represented by the attribute information (at least one pieces of
information among hue information, lightness information, and
chroma saturation information) having colors in conformity with the
content of the movement information.
[0100] For example, according to the first piece M1 of movement
information, the turning operation for the guide GUI G turns the
guide GUI G and the ROI GUI R. Consequently, while the portion H1
(shown in FIG. 7) is designated before the turn, lines indicating
the guide GUI G and the ROI GUI R are represented in blue. For
example, according to the first piece M1 of movement information,
the sliding operation for the guide GUI G slides the guide GUI G
but sliding of the ROI GUI R is prohibited. Consequently, while the
portion H2 (shown in FIG. 8) at the center position of the guide
GUI G is designated before sliding, the line indicating the GUI G
is represented in blue and the lines indicating the ROI GUI R are
represented in red. The content of the movement information is
represented, thereby allowing the operator to view whether the
guide GUI G and the ROI GUI R are moved or not according to the
moving operation for the guide GUI G and the ROI GUI R on the
display screen.
[0101] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the display screen for
illustrating the guide GUI that turns in the manner interlocked
with the turning operation for the ROI GUI.
[0102] When the ROI GUI R on the initial display screen shown in
FIG. 5 is subjected to the turning operation, the ROI GUI R is
turned centered on its center position and the guide GUI G is
turned in the interlocked manner centered on its center position by
an amount of turning of the ROI GUI R as shown in FIG. 9. In FIG.
9, the ROI GUI R and guide GUI G before being turned are indicated
by broken lines, and the ROI GUI R and guide GUI G after being
turned are indicated by solid lines. For example, the turning
operation for the ROI GUI R is achieved by designating a portion H3
on the center line R2 (or the center line R1) before the turn, then
moving the portion H3 while keeping the portion H3 designated, and
canceling the designation at a desired angle. That is, the turning
operation for the ROI GUI R is achieved by a drag-and-drop
operation.
[0103] The display screen shown in FIG. 9 may include information
representing the content of the second piece M2 of movement
information shown in FIG. 2B. The content of the second piece M2 of
movement information is represented as character information,
thereby allowing the operator to view whether the ROI GUI R and the
guide GUI G are moved or not according to the moving operation for
the ROI GUI R on the display screen.
[0104] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the display screen for
illustrating the guide GUI that is not interlocked with the sliding
operation for the ROI GUI.
[0105] When the guide ROI GUI R on the initial display screen shown
in FIG. 5 is subjected to the sliding operation, the ROI GUI R is
slid but the guide GUI G is not slid, as shown in FIG. 10. In FIG.
10, the ROI GUI R before being slid is indicated by broken lines,
and the ROI GUI R after being slid is indicated by solid lines. For
example, the sliding operation for the ROI GUI R is achieved by
designating a portion H4 that is a frame of the ROI GUI R before
being slid, then moving the portion H4 while keeping the portion H4
designated, and canceling the designation at a desired angle. That
is, the sliding operation for the ROI GUI R is achieved by a
drag-and-drop operation.
[0106] The display screen shown in FIG. 10 may include information
representing the content of the first piece M1 of movement
information shown in FIG. 2A. The content of the first piece M1 of
movement information is represented as character information,
thereby allowing the operator to view whether the guide GUI G and
the ROI GUI R are moved or not according to the moving operation
for the ROI GUI R on the display screen.
[0107] Returning to the description on FIG. 6, the movement control
function 113 determines whether to finish the moving operation or
not (step ST10b). In the case of YES in the determination in step
ST10b, that is, in the case where it is determined to finish the
moving operation, the movement control function 113 advances the
processing to step ST11 shown in FIG. 4, and sets the ROI.
[0108] On the contrary, in the case of NO in the determination in
step ST10b, that is, in the case where it is determined that the
moving operation is not finished, the movement control function 113
determines whether an instruction of changing the movement
information has been issued through the input circuitry 12 or not
(step ST10c). In the case of YES in the determination in step
ST10c, that is, in the case where it is determined that the
instruction of changing the movement information has been issued,
the movement control function 113 changes the movement information
according to the instruction of changing the movement information
(step ST10d). For example, the movement control function 113
changes the movement information from the first piece M1 to the
second piece M2. Next, the movement control function 113 returns
the processing to step ST9 shown in FIG. 4, and accepts the moving
operation for the ROI GUI and guide GUI through the input circuitry
12.
[0109] On the contrary, in the case of NO in the determination in
step ST10c, that is, in the case of determining that the
instruction of changing the movement information has not been
issued, the movement control function 113 leaves the movement
information unchanged, and returns the processing to step ST9 shown
in FIG. 4, and accepts the moving operation for ROI GUI and guide
GUI through the input circuitry 12.
[0110] Returning to the description on FIG. 4, the guide GUI or the
ROI GUI on the display screen is subjected to the moving operation
according to the control in step ST10, thereby allowing the
movement control function 113 to set the ROI (step ST11).
[0111] The image generating function 114 generates the
three-dimensional image of the ROI set in step ST11 on the basis of
the volume data obtained in step ST2 (step ST12).
[0112] The method of setting the ROI on the positioning image
pertaining to the "Brain" in the imaging region information shown
in FIG. 5 has thus been described. However, the imaging region
information is not limited to the case of the "Brain".
Alternatively, the imaging region information may be, for example,
on any of "Knee", "Aortic Valve/Pulmonary Valve" and "Heart". The
method of setting the ROI in these cases is described.
[0113] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an initial display screen that
includes the positioning image including the knee, the ROI GUI, and
the guide GUI.
[0114] FIG. 11 shows the positioning image generated from volume
data including the knee, and is, for example, an axial image of X-Y
section including the knee. The ROI GUI R and the guide GUI G are
displayed on the axial image. The guide GUI G is, for example, a
line segment including the reference point detected in step ST4.
Here, in the case of the axial image including the knee, it is
preferred that the detected reference points be a lower end of
inner condyle of femur G1 and a lower end of outer condyle of femur
G2. However, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example,
the reference point may be an upper end of inner condyle of femur
G3 and an upper end of outer condyle of femur G4.
[0115] The center position RC of the ROI GUI R may be set in the
characteristic imaging region (the center of the femur region)
detected based on the volume data, set at the center of three or
four reference points, or determined on the basis of the position
of the guide GUI G. In the case of setting based on the position of
the guide GUI G, the center position RC is determined on the basis
of a point on the guide GUI G, e.g., a reference point G1, a
reference point G2 or the midpoint of the reference points G1 and
G2, and of a preset relative position. For example, in the case
where the position (X, Y) of the midpoint of the reference points
G1 and G2 is (x0, y0) and the preset relative position (Y, Z) is
(xn, yn), the position of the center position RC is determined as
(x0+xn, y0+yn). The preset relative position (xn, yn) may be
determined on the basis of the attribute information as shown in
FIGS. 3A to 3C.
[0116] The angle of the ROI GUI R is determined on the basis of the
angle of the guide GUI G. For example, the ROI GUI R includes a
side having an offset angle .theta. preset from the guide GUI G. In
the example shown in FIG. 11, the ROI GUI R has a rectangular shape
including a side (offset angle .theta.=0) parallel to the guide GUI
G. The center lines R1 and R2 of the ROI GUI R may be displayed
together with the ROI GUI R. The preset offset angle .theta. may be
determined on the basis of the attribute information as shown in
FIGS. 3A to 3C.
[0117] The positioning image initially displayed in step ST7 shown
in FIG. 4 may be the axial image shown in FIG. 11, a sagittal
image, a coronal image or an oblique section image. The positioning
image to be initially displayed may be images selected from among
the sagittal image, axial image, coronal image, and oblique section
image.
[0118] In the case where the attribute information table T1 in FIG.
3A is referred to and the imaging region information is "Knee", the
movement control function 113 obtains the second piece M2 of
movement information in step ST8. In this case, the interlock
relationship between the guide GUI and the ROI GUI may be defined
by the second piece M2 of movement information.
[0119] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an initial display screen that
includes the positioning image including the aortic valve/pulmonary
valve, the ROI GUI, and the guide GUI.
[0120] FIG. 12 shows the positioning image generated from volume
data including the aortic valve/pulmonary valve, and is, for
example, an axial image of X-Y section including the aortic
valve/pulmonary valve.
[0121] The ROI GUI R and the guide GUI G are displayed on the axial
image. The guide GUI G is a line (section) including the reference
point detected in step ST4. Here, in the case of the axial image
including the aortic valve/pulmonary valve, it is preferred that
the detected reference points be the aortic valve (base) G1, G2.
However, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the
reference point may be the pulmonary valve (base).
[0122] The center position RC of the ROI GUI R may be set in the
characteristic imaging region detected based on the volume data,
set at the center of three or four reference points, or determined
on the basis of the position of the guide GUI G. In the case of
setting based on the position of the guide GUI G, the center
position RC is determined on the basis of a point on the guide GUI
G, e.g., a reference point G1, a reference point G2 or the midpoint
of the reference points G1 and G2, and of a preset relative
position. For example, in the case where the position (X, Y) of the
midpoint of the reference points G1 and G2 is (x0, y0) and the
preset relative position (Y, Z) is (xn, yn), the position of the
center position RC is determined as (x0+xn, y0+yn). The preset
relative position (xn, yn) may be determined on the basis of the
attribute information as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C.
[0123] The angle of the ROI GUI R is determined on the basis of the
angle of the guide GUI G. For example, the ROI GUI R includes a
side having an offset angle .theta. preset from the guide GUI G. In
the example shown in FIG. 12, the ROI GUI R has a rectangular shape
including a side (offset angle .theta.=0) parallel to the guide GUI
G. The center lines R1 and R2 of the ROI GUI R may be displayed
together with the ROI GUI R. The preset offset angle .theta. may be
determined on the basis of the attribute information as shown in
FIGS. 3A to 3C.
[0124] The positioning image initially displayed in step ST7 shown
in FIG. 4 may be the axial image shown in FIG. 12, a sagittal
image, a coronal image or an oblique section image. The positioning
image to be initially displayed may be images selected from among
the sagittal image, axial image, coronal image, and oblique section
image.
[0125] In the case where the attribute information table T1 in FIG.
3A is referred to and the attribute information is "Aortic
Valve/Pulmonary Valve" shown in FIG. 12, the movement control
function 113 obtains the third piece M3 of movement information in
step ST8. In this case, the interlock relationship between the
guide GUI and the ROI GUI may be defined by the third piece M3 of
movement information.
[0126] As described above, the medical image processing apparatus
10 turns the ROI GUI according to the turning operation for the
guide GUI on the display screen, and independently controls sliding
of the guide GUI and the ROI GUI according to the sliding operation
for the guide GUI and the ROI GUI (e.g., the first piece M1 of
movement information shown in FIG. 2A), thereby allowing the ROI
setting efficiency to be improved. When the guide GUI and the ROI
GUI are initially displayed on the basis of a reference point with
a low detection accuracy, the moving operation for the guide GUI on
the display screen is frequently performed by the operator. In this
case, particularly, according to the medical image processing
apparatus 10, it is possible to change the angle of the ROI GUI in
the manner interlocked with the turning operation for the ROI GUI
by the operator, and not to move the guide GUI in the interlocked
manner regardless of the turning operation and sliding operation
for the ROI GUI by the operator. In this manner, the medical image
processing apparatus 10 allows the ROI setting efficiency to be
significantly improved.
[0127] Furthermore, the medical image processing apparatus 10 can
switch the interlocking relationship of the ROI GUI according to
the moving operation for the guide GUI on the display screen (e.g.,
any of the five pieces M1 to M5 of movement information shown in
FIGS. 2A to 2E). In this manner, the medical image processing
apparatus 10 allows the ROI setting efficiency to be improved. When
the guide GUI and the ROI GUI are initially displayed on the basis
of a reference point with a low detection accuracy, the moving
operation for the guide GUI on the display screen is frequently
performed by the operator. In this case, particularly, according to
the medical image processing apparatus 10, it is possible to change
the position and angle of the ROI GUI in the manner interlocked
with the moving operation for the guide GUI by the operator or
leave the position and angle unchanged. In this manner, the medical
image processing apparatus 10 allows the ROI setting efficiency to
be significantly improved.
[0128] In particular, the medical image processing apparatus 10 can
switch the interlocking relationships of the guide GUI and the ROI
GUI on the display (e.g., any of the five pieces M1 to M5 of
movement information shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E) on the basis of the
imaging region information, the operator identification
information, and the patient identification information. In this
manner, the medical image processing apparatus 10 allows the ROI
setting efficiency to be improved.
2. Second Embodiment
[0129] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an
MRI apparatus according to a second embodiment.
[0130] FIG. 13 shows the MRI apparatus 50 that images an imaging
region to be imaged on an object (e.g., patient) P according to the
second embodiment. The MRI apparatus 50 sets a ROI using functions
subsequently equivalent to the functions described on the medical
image processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment on
the basis of medical image data, for example, volume data. The MRI
apparatus 50 performs diagnostic imaging (e.g., imaging for
obtaining a diagnostic image) for the set ROI.
[0131] Even if the diagnostic imaging is accompanied by application
of a RF signal and a gradient magnetic field to an auxiliary
region, such as a tag region, the MRI apparatus 50 can set a ROI
for the auxiliary region. The volume data which is an original of
the ROI is set, may be generated by the MRI apparatus 50 itself or
by another medical image diagnostic apparatus, such as an X-ray CT
apparatus. In the case where the volume data is generated by the
MRI apparatus 50 itself, the MRI apparatus 50 generates the volume
data through a preliminary imaging such as a locater imaging
performed before the diagnostic imaging. The preliminary imaging
according to the present embodiment is not limited to the locater
imaging. In the case where multiple diagnostic imagings are
performed according to multiple protocols in an examination by the
MRI apparatus 50, the MRI apparatus 50 may generate the volume data
by a preceding diagnostic imaging which is one of the preliminary
imaging. The description is hereinafter made assuming that the
volume data which is the original of the ROI is set is generated by
the MRI apparatus 50 itself.
[0132] The MRI apparatus 50 comprises a scanner 51 and a console 52
in a broad sense.
[0133] The scanner 51 includes a static field magnet 61, an
gradient magnetic field coil 62, an gradient magnetic field power
supply 63, a bed 64, a bed controller 65, a transmitter coil 66, a
transmitter 67, a receiver coils (receiving RF coils) 68a to 68e, a
receiver 69, and a sequencer (sequence controller) 70.
[0134] The static field magnet 61 generates a static field in a
bore (the internal space of the static field magnet 61), which is a
region to be imaged on an object (e.g., a patient). The static
field magnet 61 internally includes a superconducting coil. The
superconducting coil is cooled at a cryogenic temperature with
liquid helium. The static field magnet 61 applies, to the
superconducting coil, current supplied by a power source for a
static field (now shown) in a magnetically excited mode. This
application generates a static field. Subsequently, the mode
transitions to a persistent current mode, and then the coil is
separated from the power source for a static field. Once
transitioning to the persistent current mode, the static field
magnet 61 continues to generate a large static field for a long
time, e.g., one year or more. The static field magnet 61 may be a
permanent magnet.
[0135] The gradient magnetic field coil 62 is arranged in the
static field magnet 61, and serves as a gradient magnetic field
generator that generates a gradient magnetic field in the interior
space. The gradient magnetic field coil 62 is made of a combination
of three coils that correspond to respective axes, X, Y and Z
orthogonal to each other. These three coils are individually
supplied with current by the gradient magnetic field power supply
63, and generate the gradient magnetic field with magnetic
intensity varying along the X, Y and Z axes. The Z-axis direction
is configured to be identical to that of the static magnetic
field.
[0136] The gradient magnetic fields on the X, Y and Z axes
generated by the gradient magnetic field coil 62 correspond to, for
example, a gradient magnetic field for readout Gr, a gradient
magnetic field for phase encoding Ge, and a gradient magnetic field
for slice selection Gs, respectively. The gradient magnetic field
for readout Gr is used to change the frequency of the MR (magnetic
resonance) signal according to the spatial position. The gradient
magnetic field for phase encoding Ge is used to change the phase of
the MR signal according to the spatial position. The gradient
magnetic field for slice selection Gs is used to freely determine
the imaging section.
[0137] The gradient magnetic field power supply 63 supplies current
to the gradient magnetic field coil 62 on the basis of pulse
sequence execution data transmitted from the sequencer 70.
[0138] The bed 64 includes a top table 64a on which the object P is
laid. The bed 64 inserts the top table 64a into a hollow space
(imaging bore) of the gradient magnetic field coil 62 in the state
where the object P is laid thereon, under control by the bed
controller 65, which is described later. Typically, the bed 64 is
arranged so as to have a longitudinal axis parallel to the center
axis of the static field magnet 61.
[0139] The bed controller 65 drives the bed 64 to move the top
table 64a in the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction
under control by the sequencer 70.
[0140] The transmitter coil 66 is arranged in the gradient magnetic
field coil 62, and supplied by the transmitter 67 with the RF pulse
signal to generate the RF pulse.
[0141] The transmitter 67 transmits, to the transmitter coil 66,
the RF pulse signal in conformity with the Larmor frequency, on the
basis of the pulse sequence execution data transmitted from the
sequencer 70.
[0142] The receiver coils 68a to 68e are arranged in the gradient
magnetic field coil 62 and receive the MR signal emitted from the
imaging region to be imaged on the object P under effects of the
high-frequency magnetic field. Here, the receiver coils 68a to 68e
are array coils that include element coils for receiving the MR
signal emitted from the imaging region to be imaged on the object
P. When each element coil receives the MR signal, the receiver coil
transmits the received MR signal to the receiver 69.
[0143] The receiver coil 68a is a coil for a head to be worn by the
object P on the head. The receiver coils 68b and 68c are coils for
the spine that is arranged between the back of the object P and the
top table 64a. The receiver coils 68d and 68e are coils for the
abdomen to be worn by the object P on the abdominal side.
[0144] The receiver 69 generates the MR signal on the basis of the
MR signals output from the receiver coils 68a to 68e according to
the pulse sequence execution data transmitted from the sequencer
70. Upon generating the MR signal, the receiver 69 transmits the MR
signal to the console 52 through the sequencer 70.
[0145] The receiver 69 has receiving channels for receiving the MR
signals output from the element coils of the receiver coils 68a to
68e. When notification of the element coil to be used for imaging
is made from the consol 52, the receiver 69 assigns the receiving
channel to the element coil designated by the notification so as to
receive the MR signal output from the designated element coil.
[0146] The sequencer 70 is connected to the gradient magnetic field
power supply 63, the bed controller 65, the transmitter 67, the
receiver 69, and the consol 52. The sequencer 70 stores control
information required to drive the gradient magnetic field power
supply 63, the bed controller 65, the transmitter 67, and the
receiver 69. The control information may be, for example, sequence
information that includes operation control information, such as
the intensity, application time and application timing of the pulse
current to be applied to the gradient magnetic field power supply
63.
[0147] The sequencer 70 causes the bed controller 65 to perform
driving according to the predetermined sequence stored, thereby
advancing and retracting the top table 64a in the Z direction with
respect to the base. Furthermore, the sequencer 70 drives the
gradient magnetic field power supply 63, the transmitter 67, and
the receiver 69 according to the predetermined sequence stored,
thereby generating an X-axis gradient magnetic field Gx, a Y-axis
gradient magnetic field Gy, and a Z-axis gradient magnetic field
Gz, and a RF pulse signal in the base.
[0148] The console 52 performs the entire control of the MRI
apparatus 50, data collection, image reconstruction and the like.
The console 52 includes processing circuitry 71, an input circuit
72, a display 73, an IF 74, memory circuitry 75, data collecting
circuitry 76, and data processing circuitry 77.
[0149] The processing circuitry 71 has a configuration equivalent
to that of the processing circuitry 11 shown in FIG. 1. The
processing circuitry 71 performs a first imaging function (first
imager) 710, a display control function (display controller) 711,
an accepting function (acceptor) 712, a movement control function
(movement controller) 713, and a second imaging function (second
imager) 714. Here, the display control function 711, the accepting
function 712 and the movement control function 713 have functions
equivalent to those of the display control function 111, the
accepting function 712 and the movement control function 113, which
are shown in FIG. 1, respectively. The processing circuitry 71
reads various types of control programs stored in the memory
circuitry 75 and performs the functions 710 to 714, and integrally
controls processing operations in the components 72 to 77.
[0150] The first imaging function 710 performs first imaging to
generate volume data on an imaging region to be imaged, and causes
the memory circuitry 75 to store the volume data. The first imaging
is the locater imaging for positioning before the diagnostic
imaging (actual imaging), or imaging according to a preceding
protocol before a subsequent protocol in the case where multiple
protocols are performed. The case where the first imaging is the
locater imaging for positioning before the diagnostic imaging is
hereinafter described. The pulse sequence for three-dimensional
imaging as the locater imaging may be different from the pulse
sequence used for diagnostic imaging. It is desired that the
three-dimensional imaging as the locater imaging should obtain the
volume data in a time as short as possible. Consequently, it is
preferred to use a pulse sequence for high-speed three-dimensional
imaging. For example, it is preferred that the pulse sequence for
three-dimensional imaging for positioning be three-dimensional
imaging using the 3D FFE (fast field echo) sequence, FFE sequence,
SSFP sequence or the like. However, the sequence is not necessarily
limited thereto.
[0151] The second imaging function 714 regards the ROI set by the
movement control function 713, as a field of view (FOV), executes
the diagnostic imaging (actual imaging) using various diagnostic
sequences, and generates a diagnostic image. The diagnostic
sequence may be, for example, a T2-weighted image, T1-weighted
image, FLAIR, Diffusion, and T2*-weighted image. However, the
diagnostic sequence is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the
sequence is appropriately determined in conformity with the imaging
purpose of the diagnostic imaging.
[0152] The input circuit 72 has a configuration equivalent to that
of the input circuitry 12 shown in FIG. 1. The display 73 has a
configuration equivalent to that of the display 13 shown in FIG. 1.
The IF 74 has a configuration equivalent to that of the IF 14 shown
in FIG. 1. The memory circuitry 75 has a configuration equivalent
to that of the memory circuitry 15 shown in FIG. 1.
[0153] The data collecting circuitry 76 collects the MR signal
transmitted from the receiver 69. After collecting the MR signal,
the data collecting circuitry 76 causes the memory circuitry 75 to
store the collected MR signal.
[0154] The data processing circuitry 77 applies a postprocess,
which is a reconstruction process, such as Fourier transformation,
to the MR signal stored in the memory circuitry 75, thereby
generating the spectrum data on the desired nuclear spins in the
imaging region to be imaged on the object P, or image data. When
the locater imaging is performed, the data processing circuitry 77
generates profile data that represents the distribution of the MR
signal in the arrangement direction of the element coils included
in the receiver coils 68a to 68e, for each of the coils, on the
basis of the MR signals received by the element coils. The data
processing circuitry 77 stores the various data items generated in
the memory circuitry 75.
[0155] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for specifically describing functions
of the MRI apparatus 50 according to the second embodiment.
[0156] The identification information, the password and the like of
the operator are input through the input circuit 72 by the
operator, thereby allowing the first imaging function 710 of the
MRI apparatus 50 to authenticate the operator (step ST21).
[0157] First, the first imaging function 710 sets the imaging
region information (imaging region to be imaged) in the volume data
(step ST22). Next, the first imaging function 710 performs the
locator imaging for positioning before the diagnostic imaging
(actual imaging) to generate the volume data on the imaging region
to be imaged, and store the volume data into the memory circuitry
75 (step ST23).
[0158] When a desired volume data is designated through the input
circuit 72, the display control function 711 obtains or reads the
desired volume data from the memory circuitry 75 (step ST24).
[0159] The display control function 711 detects the reference point
on the basis of the volume data obtained in step ST24 as with the
case of step ST4 (shown in FIG. 4) (step ST25). It may be
configured such that the reference point detected in step ST25 is
different according to the type of the imaging region information
set in step ST22.
[0160] The display control function 711 sets the guide GUI
including the reference point detected in step ST25 while setting
the ROI GUI, as with the case in step ST5 (shown in FIG. 4) (step
ST26). The display control function 711 generates the positioning
image from the volume data obtained in step ST24, as with the case
in step ST6 (shown in FIG. 4) (step ST27). The display control
function 711 initially displays, on the display 73, the positioning
image generated in step ST27, and the guide GUI and ROI GUI set in
step ST26, as with the case in step ST7 (shown in FIG. 4) (step
ST28).
[0161] The initial display screen displayed in step ST28 is
equivalent to the initial display screens shown in FIGS. 5, 11 and
12.
[0162] The accepting function 712 refers to the attribute
information (e.g., any of the attribute information tables T1 to T3
shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C) stored in the memory circuitry 75, as the
case in step ST8 (shown in FIG. 4). The accepting function 712
obtains the movement information indicating whether to move the
guide GUI and the ROI GUI or not (e.g., any of pieces M1 to M5 of
movement information shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E), as with the case in
step ST8 (step ST29).
[0163] The accepting function 712 accepts moving operation for at
least one of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI through the input
circuit 72, as with the case in step ST9 (shown in FIG. 4) (step
ST30). The movement control function 713 controls switching of
whether to move the guide GUI and the ROI GUI or not according to
the moving operation for the moving operation target on the basis
of the movement information obtained in step ST29 (or movement
information after change in step ST10d shown in FIG. 6), as with
the case in step ST10 (shown in FIG. 4) (step ST31).
[0164] The guide GUI or the ROI GUI on the display screen is
subjected to the moving operation according to the control in step
ST 31, thereby allowing the movement control function 713 to set
the ROI, as with the case in step ST11 (shown in FIG. 4) (step
ST32).
[0165] The second imaging function 714 regards the ROI set in step
ST32 as the field of view, performs the diagnostic imaging (actual
imaging) using various diagnostic sequences, and generates a
diagnostic image (step ST33).
[0166] The ROI set in step ST32 is not limited to the case where
the ROI is the field of view. The ROI may be an auxiliary region
set separately from the field of view. For example, in the case of
using a presaturation pulse in the diagnostic imaging, the
auxiliary region may be a region to be saturated according to the
presaturation pulse (presaturation region). Alternatively, the
auxiliary region may be, for example, a labeling region used in the
Time-SLIP method and the like (or a tag region). The Time-SLIP
method is an imaging method that uses no contrast medium, and is a
technique that applies a labeling pulse to the labeling region to
label fluid to thereby allow the fluid flowing from the labeling
region to the outside of the region to be observed.
[0167] For example, in the case of imaging for observing the CSF
(cerebrospinal fluid) in foramen of Monro, the display control
function 711 detects the foramen of Monro as the reference point
from a coronal section image as the positioning image, and sets the
ROI GUI centered on a position apart from the foramen of Monro in
parallel to the orientation of the foramen of Monro having a
certain angle by a predetermined distance (e.g., 1 [mm]) toward the
third ventricle.
[0168] As described above, the MRI apparatus 50 turns the ROI GUI
according to the turning operation for the guide GUI on the display
screen, and independently controls sliding of the guide GUI and the
ROI GUI according to the sliding operation for the guide GUI and
the ROI GUI (e.g., the first piece M1 of movement information shown
in FIG. 2A), thereby allowing the ROI (field of view) setting
efficiency to be improved. When the guide GUI and the ROI GUI are
initially displayed on the basis of a reference point with a low
detection accuracy, the moving operation for the guide GUI on the
display screen is frequently performed by the operator. In this
case, particularly, according to the MRI apparatus 50, it is
possible to change the angle of the ROI GUI in the manner
interlocked with the turning operation for the guide GUI by the
operator, and not to move the guide GUI in the interlocked manner
regardless of the turning operation and sliding operation for the
ROI GUI by the operator. In this manner, the MRI apparatus 50
allows the ROI setting efficiency to be significantly improved.
[0169] Furthermore, the MRI apparatus 50 can switch the
interlocking relationship of the ROI GUI according to the moving
operation for the guide GUI on the display screen (e.g., any of the
five pieces M1 to M5 of movement information shown in FIGS. 2A to
2E). In this manner, the MRI apparatus 50 allows the ROI (field of
view) setting efficiency to be improved. When the guide GUI and the
ROI GUI are initially displayed on the basis of a reference point
with a low detection accuracy, the moving operation for the guide
GUI on the display screen is frequently performed by the operator.
In this case, particularly, according to the MRI apparatus 50, it
is possible to change the position and angle of the ROI GUI in the
manner interlocked with the moving operation for the guide GUI by
the operator or leave the position and angle unchanged. In this
manner, the MRI apparatus 50 allows the ROI setting efficiency to
be significantly improved.
[0170] In particular, the MRI apparatus 50 can switch the
interlocking relationships of the guide GUI and the ROI GUI on the
display screen (e.g., the five pieces M1 to M5 of movement
information shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E) on the basis of the imaging
region information, the operator identification information, and
the patient identification information. In this manner, the MRI
apparatus 50 allows the imaging region (ROI) efficiency in
diagnostic imaging and auxiliary ROI such as the labeling region
setting efficiency to be improved.
[0171] At least one of the aforementioned embodiments allows one of
the movement control functions 113 and 713 to function, thereby
allowing the efficiency of setting ROI on the display screen to be
improved.
[0172] While certain embodiments have been described, these
embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel
methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety
of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and
changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may
be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The
accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover
such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and
spirit of the inventions.
* * * * *